Mortambo

I walked down the southern path away from Urbus, just happily humming to myself. That time in the <<Garden>> on Floor 1 had been very good for me. I remember as I looked for the path to go up into the mountains for the <<Breaking the Unbreakable>> quest I saw a weirdly shaped rock. It was nice and flat though and I thought it would be great for training Sunetra to help me in my workshop far away from the very flammable Town of Beginnings around it. Humming along, suddenly a Wolf jumped out of the trees and attacked me. Quickly unlimbering my Battle Axe I leapt forward and activated <<Hack>> my axe flashing in two quick, successive strikes. As they landed, the Wolf shook its head whimpering for a moment before snapping its jaws across my leg and barely penetrating my armor. I began to circle it smiling waiting for another opening.

Combat Results:

As I prepared to leave the city of Urbus to go out and train Sunetra I was struggling to find a way to carry or hold them comfortably. I knelt down, and reached out and they nuzzled my palm gently letting their fire dim just a little bit. It was still hot to the touch but not burning. Thinking hard for a moment I pursed my lips. I need to find some way for them to stay with me, but not burn everything down around us. It’s not their fault they are made of fire. Wait…that’s it! I started wandering among the shops until I found one selling clothes and bought a little bit of cloth that was flame retardant. I tucked it behind my head in the hood of my armored long coat and grinned. “Okay, Sunetra, let’s try this,” I said as I lifted them up and put them in the hood. “Mrow,” they responded happily and snuggled deeper into the impromptu blanket.

Quest Requirements:

Quest Mechanics:

Quest Rewards:

Combat Stats:

Monsters:

Nodding I listened to what he was saying. “That makes sense, I need to get a better grip on my style. But for this stupid Boulder this should work!” and I slammed my fist into it putting all my force behind in this time. Still, the health bar stubbornly stayed where it was. Sighing, I backed off some and glared at it. “A friend request would be great, man. I know I’ve learned a lot from you and you seem like a cool guy.” I said smiling. I looked back to the rock and just analyzed it for a moment. I looked across it for points of weakness or places I could attack it better. Tactics and strategy isn’t important here. It’s just a rock so why can’t I damage it! It’s not like the stupid thing moves! I just glared at it, annoyed that I couldn’t seem to finish it off. I’ll get it though. I can do this. Stupid rock.

Punch Results:

@Dustin

I nodded as Dustin backed off and replied “Yeah, that makes sense. I really appreciate the help. I’m not sure if I have any questions but if I think of any I will ask.” I turned to the Boulder and as I thought about this whole encounter and Dustin going from doing fancy moves to just almost nonchalantly punching it I realized that while you have to put power behind your strike to make the System follow through the actual way you did it didn’t matter so much. You did the same amount of damage whether it was a massive overhead strike leaping from the air, or a simple punch. Disregarding the use of Sword Arts anyway. Realizing this, with no frills or anything extra, I walked up to the boulder and not even bothering with the stance punched it while still twisting my hips to get the extra power I needed. It’s health didn’t move even the miniscule amount it normally moved for me. “Huh, I must not have put enough into that one. I thought that would work.”

Punch Results:

@Dustin

Name: Biter
Your Profession: Blacksmith 
Your Rank: 2 
Roll ID: 111429
Roll Result: 11 
Item Type: Dagger
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Damage, Bleed 
Description: This wicked curved dagger resembles the tooth of a dragon or some similar monstrous creature. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/17427-f1-blacksmith-shop-the-unbreakable-anvil/?do=findComment&amp;comment=567404

As I had a plan to redouble my efforts at crafting, I decided to simply do a daily cycle through each kind of weapon simply to get in the practice. Today I started with daggers, the simplest of melee weapons and formed and shaped them from the materials I had one hand. Sunetra, my new familiar, watched me with some interest as I moved them from the fire and over to the anvil to begin shaping them. However, two of the daggers I made did not stand up to scrutiny and were cracked a brittle. I tossed them aside to use as scrap for training Sunetra. Ah well, at least I have something else to stock in the store.

Crafting Attempts:

TOTAL EXP: 20+7 = 27/40

-3 mats

Walking into the Frozen Gemstone, I was certainly hoping that the proprietor could help me. My last few fights had gone horrendously and I realized I desperately needed some evasion to prevent that from happening again. Especially if I wanted to tank. Walking up to the counter, I offered my hand to Ennakai, "Hello, my name is Mortambo. I have an order I'd like to make for a ring of evasion." Seeing the order forms on the table I quickly filled one out. "Hopefully paying with materials is all right?" I said as I went into my inventory and transferred some of my latest gathering run to him. "It's nice to meet you and I can't wait to use your wonderful wares, sir." I said bowing slightly. 

Order Form:

-9 T1 materials

I made my way back to where I entered the Garden and found myself in the regular forest once again. Making my way back through the forest, I felt the weight of the responsibility of this world slowly settle on me and the relaxation I had felt in the Garden slowly receding. Everything in the regular world now seemed a pale shadow by comparison. I began to cross the plains as the sun began to set and warily evaded the wolves and boars here even though I was high enough level now for them not to be much of a bother. Eventually I made it back to the Town of Beginnings without incident and started heading down the winding streets that meandered to the back alleys where my workshop was. As I walked in, the little bell rang and I looked around my shop. It was definitely good to be home, but today had been an amazing day.

Thread Summary:

As I returned to where I started on the path to loop around the lake, I began to look around again to see if there was anything I was missing before I headed out of the Garden. Since nothing really caught my eye, I just stopped to take in everything in all of its glorious perfection. The lake shimmered, the birds warbled, the squirrels scampered around and I soaked every bit of it up that I could before I headed back to the rest of the world. Smiling, I closed my eyes raising my head to feel the warmth of the sun across my face and the cool breeze washing over me. For a moment, I was deeply at peace with everything around me. Sighing happily again, I turned ready to put the Garden behind me for now and head back to the Town of Beginnings and my wonderful workshop.

Roll to Find Treasure Chest:

As he continued down the forest path, just as it began heading back towards the lake I spied more food stuffs. Gathering up a couple of handfuls and putting them away, I grinned. It must be more concentrated here, there was so much stuff to find. I should definitely just head into the forest here next time. Continuing down the path, I emerged from the tree line and walked down the path next to the lake. I stopped for a moment to take it all in again as I was struck by how beautiful the sun reflecting off of the water was. The breeze was heavy with the scent of flowers that must have come from the field of wildflowers on the other side of the lake. I began walking again and I was moving at a fairly good pace now so I should make it all the way around the lake soon.

Gathering Roll:

“I hope we get some good stuff too”, I replied, watching as Kirbs dodged the Dire Wolf’s snapping jaws yet again. I definitely need to invest in some Accuracy and Evasion items. I didn’t think they were important with my Heavy Armor but this fight has certainly proven me wrong. As I circled and watched, Kirbs gave me the perfect opening and I tried again to <<Hack>> the Dire Wolf. This time as it activated, I felt each strike connect with the Dire Wolf’s flank. It briefly turned towards me with a growl before Kirbs distracted it again moving in its peripheral vision. “Finally! It feels good to have contributed something to this fight,” I grinned at Kirbs, “Now finish him off!” I bowed slightly to her and backed away a little ready to jump in and try my best to hit it again if necessary but trusting Kirbs had this handled.  

Combat Results:

@Kirbs

Slowing down, I began scanning the ground around me trying to pinpoint what caught my eye. I bent down and scrabbled at the dirt on the edge of the lake and managed to dig up some more ore. Quickly putting in my inventory I continued down the path. The birds continued to serenade me as I hiked around the lake the warm sun and cool breeze keeping me just the perfect temperature. Suddenly the path veered away from the lake and headed into the forest. I could see where it circled back so I just kept following it into the tree line picking up the pace a little. It wasn’t like the forest here was more sinister than the lake after all. I wonder if there’s more materials concentrated in the forest though. I just spent my time in a casual walk around the lake so I guess I will have to see.

Gathering Roll: 

I was moving at a pretty steady pace now, my head on a swivel for any materials I could get as I finished my loop around the lake. I still had quite a ways to go, but I felt like I had gotten a good amount of materials for my first trip. When I get back I also need to take Sunetra out to get them trained up to help me around the forge. Actually first, I might need to figure out how I can interact with them since they are so hot. It’s not very good to have a companion that hurts you every time you touch them. I’m sure I can figure something out and some way to keep them with me while I travel without burning everything around. They were certainly a dangerous creature to choose as a familiar but definitely worth it. I slowed a little thinking maybe I spied something nearby that could be useful.

Gathering Roll:

Humming quietly to myself, I wandered further down the path very relaxed after my brief nap at the lake. Sighing happily, I kept aware and alert for more materials. I had quite the haul already but I needed as much as I could get my hands on. I spied a few more herbs and some root vegetables and things so I bent down and dug them up. After putting them In my inventory, I brushed off my hands and stood back up looking around again at the water’s edge and the wild Garden I was surrounded by. Grinning, I kept to the trail, now whistling as I walked but picking up the pace some. I think I’m ready to head back to the Town of Beginnings pretty soon. Lots of work to do and what is that quote by that American author? Lots to do and miles to go before I sleep.

Gathering Roll:

Seeing it paralyzed from her strike, and growling before at both of them, I leapt forward and tried my Sword Art again. I activated it but apparently somehow still mistimed the strikes and ended up slashing the air just shy of the large wolf. “Maybe I just picked a bad weapon for me to use. It seems like you’re pretty handy with that dagger. I thought the Battle Axe would look really cool but it is kind of unwieldy,” I said backing off and giving a few test swings again. It seemed like I should be able to hit just fine. I had fought of the boars for that starter quest easily, but apparently tougher mobs…Was I hesitating or anxious? I don’t feel like I am, but maybe that’s it? Shrugging off my thoughts I snapped back into the battle to see my partner’s next strike and hopefully, finally, give a good follow up to it.

Combat Results:

@Kirbs

As I sat there thinking about the differences in the Garden and the rest of the game I laid back on the ground and looked up at the gorgeous azure sky. For a little while I drifted off to sleep, the light breeze and the soft sounds of the water lulling me into relaxation and sloth. It wasn’t too long, I don’t think, before I started awake and looked around. Standing not too far from me was a squirrel who just chittered at me. “Yeah, well, I was having a nap. Go on” and I shooed him away. As he scampered up a tree nearby, I stood up, stretched, and brushed myself off. Falling asleep was foolish and dangerous, I chided myself, but it is hard to resist here. I just shook my head and continued following the path around the lake. This Eden might get me killed if I’m not too careful.

Gathering Roll:

Walking a little bit farther I ran into a small gathering of plants that looked pretty promising. As I checked them out I realized they were herbs and spices for cooking. Great! I can get some really great stuff made to help me buff up my stats. Not to mention be REALLY delicious! Standing up and stretching, I looked at the path. I had been wandering around this lake for the better part of the morning and afternoon maybe it was time for a break to eat. Not that I had to, but I noticed habits like these were good to keep up. Taking out some bread and cheese I sat down on the lake’s edge to eat and just enjoyed the breeze flowing across the lake. It was still hard to believe how beautiful this garden was given all of the violence and anxiety and potential death that was in the rest of this world.

Gathering Roll:

As I continued on the path around the lake, I also continued thinking about my plan. Eventually, of course, I needed to find a guild. I wonder what guild Miss Neo is in. Although it seems like bad planning just to go to the guild of the first person who helped you out. I also saw a notice for some kind of police force. Now there’s an idea. I like the idea of protecting other players. Maybe I don’t have to be on the Front Lines to do that! Anyway, maybe all this is enough for now. Keep soloing, get my crafting skill up, and then my combat skills. Feeling better about having some kind of actionable plan I relaxed some to enjoy the scenery some more. Looking around briefly I didn’t spy any other good materials for crafting though. That didn’t matter, I was already pretty loaded down from what I had run across!

Gathering Rolls:

Shaking off that question for the moment I circled back around to my goals. I think I should concentrate on my Blacksmithing first. I feel like that is a good goal. Not necessarily to the detriment of my combat skills, but enough that I can start helping people gear up more easily. Then I can push my more combat oriented skills and start hunting more and more. I definitely need to start meeting more people and hopefully making some friends. Distracted by my train of thought, I tripped and stumbled over the roots of a tree. Shaking my head and looking around I realized I was standing at the halfway point around the lake. Looking out across the lake back to where I had started I was reminded of why I was here. Looking around for more materials I found some more wood that would make good hafts of weapons and parts of shields.  

Gathering Roll: 

Standing up, from the edge of the lake and continuing around the path I picked up my inner monologue. Being on the Front Lines was a chance to be something more than just some guy. On the face of it, it’s pretty illogical to risk your life. I don’t think the people on the Front Lines feel any resentment to the people that have stayed back. All this time passed though, and I could have been doing…something. Instead I just stayed inside the Town of Beginnings like a coward. I loved games like this exactly because you get to feel like a hero. You get to be more than you are in the real world. If I don’t take that chance now that I literally don’t have much choice then what kind of person am I? That thought echoed around my brain, blinding me to any materials I may have passed.

Gathering Roll:

So far, my hunting trips hadn’t been very successful because I just couldn’t hit often enough or do much damage. It was hard fighting monsters when you could barely damage them, although to be fair they could barely damage me either thanks to my new armor from Mac. As I wandered more along the edge of the lake and scanned around the path and shore line for more materials I thought more and more about what I wanted to accomplish in this game. I want to help new players get gear and weapons hence being the best Blacksmith I can be. I want to help on the Front Lines in whatever way I can. At first I guess that means getting them the best gear I can get them as well, but also joining the Front Lines myself. Suddenly my train of thought was interrupted by something shiny near the lake’s edge. It was a couple of jewels I knew an Artisan could use to make jewelry and trinkets. 

Gathering Roll:

Searching around the base of the wildflowers, I couldn’t help but take in their wonderful scent. Maybe I should pick some and take them back to the Town. It might brighten someone’s day. I began to smell the different types to try and decide which ones were best, momentarily distracted from my search for materials. As I knelt by a particularly beautiful purple flower and leaned down, I saw something gleam underneath the carpet of wildflowers. Moving them aside gently I found two perfectly formed pieces of ore just sitting there on the ground. I put them in my inventory without any hesitation. This place was so strange, but I loved it. I took in the scent of the purple flower and it was amazing. I gently picked one and looped it behind my ear. I really need to keep the search up so I can get back to gearing up.

Gathering Rolls:

Watching Dustin do an amazing backflip and transition into a punch I just stood there in awe for a moment. I’m not even sure my body would move like that. I moved to about the distance he was standing from the rock and did my best to mimic his movements. Okay now the backflip and…I didn’t quite follow through enough and slammed into the ground rather than landing on my feet. Standing up quickly, and brushing myself off I moved back to the proper distance. I knew what I had done wrong. As I jumped I felt the System try and take over but I resisted it not wanting to give it control to help me follow through but this was…not exactly a Sword Art, not yet, but a just little bit of natural physical help the System gave us to compensate for being skinny nerds. I tried again, this time letting the System take over when it kicked in and perfectly executed the backflip then I delivered a pretty good punch twisting my whole body into it. The Boulder’s health only dropped a little bit but hey it was something.

Punch Results:

@Dustin

I walked into the shop kind of nervously looking around. I hadn't been to a merchant yet and didn't really know what to expect. "Um, hello, I'm Mortambo. I'm a new player and well...I've got some stuff to identify. I just fill out these forms and give you the col right?" I said as I looked over the forms and started filling them out. As I did I continued, “And I have some spare items for junk as well. You can just just get rid of them for me right? They are taking up a lot of space in my inventory.”

Items to identify: 

Your Fee: -800 Col

Banker Fee: -2560 Col

Junk:

Junk Sales: +100 Col

Total Sale: 700 Col + 2560 to @Banker

(Let me know if my math is wrong and I'll fix it.

Familiar Evaluation: